For Montreal, once you get past the first few, it gets hard.  Maurice Richard.  Jean Beliveau.  Patrick Roy.  Guy Lafleur.  ...  that’s 4.  All hockey.  No 5?  Plante?  Vezina?  Robinson?  Harvey?  Savard?  Dryden?  The other Richard?  Geoffrion?  Outside of hockey, how about Gary Carter?  Andre Dawson?  Jackie Robinson holds a certain distinction.  Jacques Villeneuve?  Gilles Villeneuve?

Posted by PRC from Montreal on 08/07/07 at 07:59 AM ET

New Jersey…hmm…probably Martin Brodeur and Jason Kidd would be 1-2…and I’d probably go Marty #1 even without my hockey bias because he’s really immersed himself in New Jersey’s culture.  He’s a likeable figure in the community.  He even speaks with a Jersey “twang” now.  I met him when I was 5 at a KMart in Montclair and he barely knew English, now he sounds like a native.

#2 would be Kidd…#3 would likely be John Harkes, native of my hometown (Kearny) and World Cup Soccer veteran…#4 would be Vince Carter…#5 would be Brick native Jim Dowd.

Posted by Steve from New Jersey on 08/07/07 at 09:14 AM ET

Sidney Crosby, George Dixon, Wendel Young, Olaf Kolzig, Joe Dipenta, Mike McPhee, Don Koharski, Al MacInnis, Trevor Berbick, Kirk Johnson.

Honorable mention goes to Alexander Keith.  Without his Ale these athletes wouldn’t have been as fun to enjoy!

Posted by Dan from Halifax on 08/07/07 at 09:15 AM ET

St. Louis:

1 - Stan Musial
2 - Ozzie Smith
3 - Brett Hull
4 - Jackie Joyner-Kersee
5 - Kurt Warner

Posted by Bluesfan44 on 08/07/07 at 09:24 AM ET

Detroit:

Steve Yzerman
Gordie Howe
Barry Sanders
(theres gotta be one or two baseball players who belong here, but I don’t follow baseball)
Joe Dumars

Posted by Hasekbowstome on 08/07/07 at 09:30 AM ET

Joe Sakic
Paul Kariya
Justin Morneau
Larry Walker
Steve Nash

Posted by homer13 from Vancouver on 08/07/07 at 09:47 AM ET

Philly:
1. Bobby Clarke
2. Mike Schmidt
3. Richie Ashburn
4. Julius Erving
5. Bernie Parent

** McNabb if he can bring us a championship.

Posted by Joei from Pitman, NJ (south Jersey-Philly Area) on 08/07/07 at 11:13 AM ET

Top 5 From Rochester

Brian Gionta
Kim Insalaco
Roland Williams
Ryan Callahan
Tim Redding

Busts
Jason Bonsignore
John Wallace

Posted by Kevin from Rochester, NY on 08/07/07 at 11:15 AM ET

5. Chuck Bednarik
4. Julius Erving
3. Richie Ashburn
2. Mike Schmidt
1. Bobby Clarke

Posted by Ralph Deady from Philadelphia on 08/07/07 at 11:24 AM ET

Detroit:

1.  Gordie Howe
2.  Steve Yzerman
3.  Isiah Thomas
4.  Barry Sanders
5.  Joe Dumars

Posted by lockjaw on 08/07/07 at 11:24 AM ET

In Pittsburgh I would have to say
Mario Lemeux
Roberto Clemete
Honus Wagner
Jerome Bettis
Terry Bradshaw

Posted by Mike from Pittsburgh on 08/07/07 at 11:26 AM ET

wait a tick now…let’s clarify between ‘born in your city’ vs. ‘played in your city professionally’

Posted by underthechestnuttree from LaSalle, Ontario, Canada on 08/07/07 at 11:33 AM ET

No clarifaction under…  Associated is the key word.  Born would take away many of the athletes who have performed in the city professionally.
Now, two cities could take claim to a player, maybe someone like Gretzky..

Posted by Paul from Motown Area on 08/07/07 at 11:36 AM ET

Pittsburgh-

Top 5:
Joe Montana
Mario Lemieux
Roberto Clemente
Dan Marino
Terry Bradshaw

Hon. Mention:
Willie Stargell
Sidney Crosby
Jaromir Jagr
Joe Namath
Tony Dorsett
Johnny Unitas
...and Barry Bonds

Posted by Rob from Pittsburgh on 08/07/07 at 11:50 AM ET

1. Derrick Brooks
2. Vincent Lecavalier
3. Carl Crawford
4. Brad Richards
5. Mike Alstott

Posted by Matt from Tampa, FL on 08/07/07 at 11:51 AM ET

As a Chicago native who’s lived in Tampa for 20-odd years, I’m going to give you players from both cities:

Chicago -
Michael Jordan
Walter Payton
Bobby Hull
Dick Butkis (a native Chicagoan)
Luis Aparicio

Tampa -
Mike Alstott
Vinny Lecavalier
LeeRoy Selmon
Dwight Gooden
Lou Piniella

Posted by Nancy from Tampa, FL on 08/07/07 at 11:53 AM ET

Hmm, well to do an ‘Associated’ list for windsor may allow the inclusion of old Detroit teams that played in the Spitfires barn, or those that have played excellently for the Spitfires. However, ill do a born list, as Windsor has no proper professional teams.

having a hard time…maybe a top ten?

1. Bob Probert
2. Bob Boughner
3. Aaron Ward
4. Ken Daneyko
5. Tie Domi
6. Sean Burke
7. Ed Jovanovski
8. John Ferguson, Sr.
9. Keith Crowder
10. Kyle Wellwood

Other Figures of note from Windsor
Budd Lynch (HAppy Birthday!)
Eddie Mio
Steve Moore (Of the Bertuzzi ordeal)
Richard Peddie (MLSE Ownership)
Joel Quenneville

Listing these figures really sheds light on the blue collar attitude of the city.

Posted by underthechestnuttree from LaSalle, Ontario, Canada on 08/07/07 at 11:56 AM ET

1. Babe Ruth
2. Mickey Mantle
3. Joe DiMaggio
4. Jackie Robinson
5. Willie Mays

Big hockey fan, but too many other giants dominate here.  The Jersey-free hockey version (sorry, no Isles—and I’m an Isles fan):

1. Mark Messier
2. Rod Gilbert
3. Adam Graves
4. John Davidson
5. Brian Leetch

Posted by Uncle Deuce from New York on 08/07/07 at 11:57 AM ET

1. David Thompson
2. Marion Jones
3. Philip Rivers
4. Roman Gabriel
5. Torry Holt

Left out the Chapel Hill and Duke folks ... just Raleigh people.

Posted by Cory from Raleigh, N.C. on 08/07/07 at 12:02 PM ET

^ Oh, and I left out hockey b/c I was trying to go by what your average Raleigh person would say. Francis and Brind’Amour would def. make my top 5.

Posted by Cory from Raleigh, N.C. on 08/07/07 at 12:04 PM ET

1.MARK MESSIER
2.MIKE RICHTER
3.BRAIN LEETCH
4. L.T
5.BROADWAY JOE

Posted by JOSEPH from NEW YORK on 08/07/07 at 12:05 PM ET

Twin Cities (Minneapolis - St. Paul)
1. Kevin Garnett - Oh, sorry….he’s in Boston now
2. Randy Moss - Oh sorry….he’s in Boston now
3. David Ortiz - Oh sorry….he’s in Boston now
4. Emmanuel Fernandex- Oh Sorry….he’s in Boston now

Only kidding…here’s my real list, and it’s taking it a step further with the athletes FROM the Twin Cities or Minnesota who are currently playing.

1. Joe Mauer (Catcher- Minnesota Twins)
2. Toby Peterson (has diabetes; broke BOTH his legs in college hockey and has just signed with the Dallas (North) Stars)
3. Brianna Scurry (Goalkeeper- US Womens National Soccer team)
4. Mark Parrish (Left Wing- Minnesota Wild)
5. Zach Parise (Right Wing - New Jersey Devils)

Posted by Aaron from Minneapolis on 08/07/07 at 12:08 PM ET

S.F.
1. Joe Montana
2. Willie Mays
3. Jerry Rice
4. Will Clark
5. Rick Barry
6. Barry Bonds

Posted by Anthony Shepherd from San Francisco on 08/07/07 at 12:23 PM ET

1. Gretzky
2.Messier
3Kurri
4.Smyth
5.Fuhr

Posted by Bill from edmonton on 08/07/07 at 12:26 PM ET

Toronto…Dave Keon,Joe Carter,Johnny Bower,Darryl Sittler(10 pts. in one game c’mon)and Roger Clemons for the short time that he was here.

Posted by Chris on 08/07/07 at 12:40 PM ET

Top Athletes from Edmonton

1. Wayne Gretzky
2. Mark Messier
3. Jarome Iginla
4. Warren Moon
5. Scott Niedrmayer

Two adopted sons and 3 born in the city. Id be hard pressed to find a better list…. Unless i lived in Pittsburgh.

Posted by Ron Klatt from Edmonton on 08/07/07 at 12:41 PM ET

Denver:
1) Elway
2) Sakic
3) Roy
4) Alex English
5) Shannon Sharpe

Honorable Mention

Forsberg
Terrell Davis
Carmelo Anthony
Bourque
Roy Halladay
Champ Bailey

Posted by J. R. from Denver on 08/07/07 at 12:43 PM ET

NYC:
Adam Graves, Derek Jeter, Tom Seaver, Boomer Esiason, Eddie Giacomin (Ken Daneyko, Patrick Ewing, Don Mattingly)

Posted by Chilih from NYC on 08/07/07 at 12:50 PM ET

1. Danny Heatly
2. Doug Flutie
3. Lanny MacDonald
4. Al McInnis
5. Jarome Iginla

Posted by Kevin from Calgary on 08/07/07 at 01:03 PM ET

1. Žigmund Pálffy

2. Miroslav Zálešák

3. Robert Döme

4. Tibor Višňovský

5. Richard Stehlík

Posted by I.V. from Skalica, Slovakia on 08/07/07 at 01:12 PM ET

I am anything but a sens fan (Go Habs Go) but here is what I think most Ottawa residents would say.

Daniel Alfredsson
Dany Heatley
Jason Spezza
Mike FIsher
Chris Neil

Honorable Mention:
Alex Yashin
Alex Daigle
......So Kidding Trust me

Posted by Slyownzall from Ottawa on 08/07/07 at 01:12 PM ET

1- Gordie Howe
2- Rubin Mayes
3- Wendel Clark
4-Terry Puhl
5-Bernie Federko

Posted by John from saskatoon, sask on 08/07/07 at 01:26 PM ET

Top 5 in Toronto….

1 - Mats Sundin
2 - Darcy Tucker
3 - Chris Bosh
4 - Vernon Wells
5 - Roy Halladay

Posted by G Rizzle from Toronto on 08/07/07 at 01:42 PM ET

1-STEVE YZERMAN
2-TODD WHITE
3-SEAN DONOVAN
4-CHRIS NEIL
5-RAY EMERY

Posted by BRAD from OTTAWA on 08/07/07 at 01:49 PM ET

Guys who played in buffalo:
1)Jim Kelly
2)Gilbert Perreault
3)Bruce Smith
4)Thurman Thomas
5)OJ Simpson

Honorable mentions:
Rick Martin, Rene Robert, Andre Reed, Pat Lafontaine

Posted by Tom Aznut from Buffalo on 08/07/07 at 01:52 PM ET

Pretty tough mixing in the past/present.

Top 5 in DC/Baltimore:

1) Cal Ripken - far and away #1.
2) Darrell Green - fan favorite.
3) Sonny Jurgensen/John Riggins - both hometown heroes that still roam the radio and tube.
4) Gibert Arenas - Agent 0 has brought hope to a cellar dwellar of a team.
5) Alexander Ovechkin - Ovie rules the ice in DC.

Posted by Sig from Washington DC on 08/07/07 at 01:55 PM ET

5)Ted Reeve…football & hockey
4)Donovan Bailey…track and field
3)Borje Salming…always played hard
2)Dave Keon…when he came back last year to ACC for a game, everyone remembered and cheered the loudest for #14
1)Mats Sundin…with what he has had to work with all his career, he has done very well for the city of Toronto!

Posted by Toronto Rocks! from Big Smoke...TO! on 08/07/07 at 01:56 PM ET

1. Ty Freaking Cobb
2. Gordie Howe
3. Barry Sanders
4. Joe Louis
5. Sugar Ray Robinson

Honorable mention to Charlie Gehringer, the greatest 2nd baseman who ever lived.

It’s ridiculous that Detroiters threw people like Isiah Thomasm Joe Dumars and Steve Yzerman on the list, when you’re talking about a city with such rich sports history. We’ve been host to players who transcended their sports. Yzerman was a great hockey player. Thomas and Dumars were great basketball players. They were NEVER the face of their sport like the five I listed.

You clowns couldn’t even name Ty Cobb though? Or Joe Louis? Hell, your arena is NAMED AFTER THE GUY. His freaking fist is probably the most recognizable landmark in Detroit.

Posted by Thomas on 08/07/07 at 02:25 PM ET

1.Joe Louis
2.Gordie Howe
3.Steve Yzerman
4.Barry Sanders
5.Mgic Johnson

Posted by rich from Motown on 08/07/07 at 02:29 PM ET

Forsberg

näslund

sedin 1

sedin 2

kent forsberg

Posted by sakuraba from örnsköldsvik on 08/07/07 at 02:42 PM ET

Pittsburgh
1. Terry Bradshaw
2.Mario Lemeiux
3.Roberto Clemente
4.Hines Ward
5. Sidney Crosby
6.Willie Stargel
7.Honus Wagner

Posted by Devin from Pittsburgh on 08/07/07 at 02:48 PM ET

Top 5 to play in Buffalo:

1. The 12th Man
2. Jim Kelly
3. Gilbert Perreault
4. Dominek Hasek
5. O.J. Simpson

Honorable Mention:  Bruce Smith, Thurman Thomas, Pat LaFontaine, Rob Ray, Steve Tasker, Andre Reed

The future….Ryan Miller, Marshawn Lynch, Thomas Vanek

Posted by Dave from Buffalo on 08/07/07 at 02:50 PM ET

New York:

Babe Ruth,
Joe Namath (pure hero status),
Mark Messier (same here),
Walt Clyde Frazier…Style Baby!
Derek Jeter. 

Could really do a top twenty from new york, many to argue for/against

Posted by Jarett Cavell from New York on 08/07/07 at 02:56 PM ET

Jim Kelly

Gilbert Perreault

Bruce Smith

Dominik Hasek

Pat LaFontaine

Others: Warren Spahn, Bob Lanier, Thurman Thomas, OJ Simpson, Andre Reed

I could think of more but the player has to be associated with that city not merely passed through.

Posted by Eric from Buffalo on 08/07/07 at 03:05 PM ET

Chicago, IL

1. Michael Jordan (Bulls)
2. The 1985 Bears Superbowl team
3. Mike Ditka (Bears)
4. Walter Payton (Bears)
5. Ryne Sandberg (Cubs) / Bobby Hull (Blackhawks)

Posted by Chris from Chicago, IL on 08/07/07 at 03:05 PM ET

You must have a young readership.
I’ll buy:
Girdie Howe
Steve Yzerman
Charlie Gehringer
Just can’t see a real Detroiter leaving:
Bobby Layne
Al Kaline
off their list.

Posted by Gramps (HockeyTownTodd) from Hockeytown on 08/07/07 at 03:08 PM ET

1. Elway
2. Sakic
3. Roy
4. Forsberg
5. Borque
Lot of basketball names that are big around Denver but they never won a championship.

Posted by Chris from Denver on 08/07/07 at 03:10 PM ET

Top 5 from Helsinki

1. Teemu Selänne
2. Jarri Kurri
3. Esa Tikkanen
4. Seppo Räty (javelin)
5. Niklas Bäckström

Posted by Santtu from Helsinki on 08/07/07 at 03:10 PM ET

Associated with Vancouver

1.Trevor Linden
2.Terry Fox
3.Lui Passaglia
4.Larry Walker
5.Pavel Bure

Hon.mentions: Mervyn Fernandez, Paul Kariya, Mitch Berger,Cam Neely, Joe Sakic, Greg Moore

Walker, Moore and Neely are actually all from Vancouver suburb, Maple Ridge- maybe that should be another list!

Posted by sopelhair from vancouver on 08/07/07 at 03:27 PM ET

I moved ten years ago, so here’s mine (in no particular order):

Detroit:
Gordie Howe; Steve Yzerman; Joe Louis; Al Kaline; Ted Lindsay (Terry Sawchuk, Nicklas Lidstrom, h.m.)

Denver: Joe Sakic, Patric(ia) Roy, John Elway, Rod Smith, Peter Forsberg

Posted by mudshark on 08/07/07 at 03:39 PM ET

Can’t believe I forgot Barry!  Barry’s Top Five, for sure.

Posted by mudshark on 08/07/07 at 03:40 PM ET

Denver:

1. John Elway
2. Patrick Roy
3. Joe Sakic
4. Peter Forsberg
5. David Thompson

Posted by Bob In Boulder from Boulder, CO on 08/07/07 at 03:47 PM ET

I think it’s funny that some NYC people list hockey players in the top 5!  Ask the average NYer and most wouldn’t know any hockey players…some would know Messier.  If the 1994 lockout hadn’t happened, they’d probably know more hockey players.  I’d bet that most people would name 5 baseball players…different ones depending on which generation they’re from, but almost all of them Yankees (because they rule this town, unfortunately). 
Anyway, here’s my top 5 athletes associated with NYC:
Mickey Mantle
Derek Jeter
Joe Namath
Joe DiMaggio
Babe Ruth

I almost wouldn’t include Ruth, simply because he’s such a huge icon that it almost overshadows the fact that he played for the Yankees.

Posted by K24 from NYC on 08/07/07 at 04:04 PM ET

Here’s my list for Calgary.
1- Jarome Iginla: He’s the face of the franchise and of the city
2- Lany MacDonald: Can’t say enough about what he did for this city in the 80’s.
3- Doug Flutie
4- Dany Heatley: Born and bread here in Calgary
5- Daryl Sutter: This one explains itself

Posted by Robert from Calgary, AB on 08/07/07 at 04:05 PM ET

Phoenix:

1. Luis Gonzalez
2. Steve Nash
3. Jeremy Roenick
4. Randy Johnson
5. Matt Leinart

Posted by Mike from Phoenix, AZ on 08/07/07 at 04:05 PM ET

Buffalo Top Five

1. Jim Kelly
2. Thurman Thomas
3. Bob MacAdoo
4. Darryl Talley
5. D. Hasek
6. Calvin Murphy

Posted by M Johnson from Buffalo on 08/07/07 at 05:01 PM ET

top 5 new york

1. patrick ewing
2. mark messier
3. joe namath
4. babe ruth
5. tom seaver

Posted by steve from new york on 08/07/07 at 05:34 PM ET

My Philly Top 5

1. Dr. J
2. A.I. (come back iverson)
3. ryan howard
4. simon gagne
5. donovan mcnabb

Posted by philly from PHILADELPHIA on 08/07/07 at 05:41 PM ET

the top 5 ny rangers

1. messier
2. giacomin
3. gilbert
4. leetchie
5. richter

Posted by Lets Go Rangers from NYC on 08/07/07 at 05:48 PM ET

HOCKEY
#1 - Mario Lemieux
#2 - Sidney Crosby
#3 - Paul Coffey
#4 - Mark Recchi
#5 - Ron Francis

Note: Real Pittsburgh fans will never claim Jagr!!!

ALL SPORTS
#1 - Mario Lemieux
#2 - Roberto Clemente
#3 - Mean Joe Greene
#4 - Terry Bradshaw
#5 - Sidney Crosby

Honerable mentions:
Franco Harris
Lynn Swann
Jerome Bettis
I could go on and on and on!!!

Posted by Mike A from Pittsburgh (relocated to Atlanta) on 08/07/07 at 06:04 PM ET

Top 5 from Helsinki (proud to be a lifetime Flyers Fan)
1 Teemu Selanne
2 Jari Kurri
3. Esa Tikkanen
4. Kimi Raikkonen (Formula 1)
5.Pentti Hagman

Posted by Francis Delshad from Helsinki on 08/07/07 at 06:05 PM ET

Toronto:

Darryl Sittler
Joe Carter
Borje Salming
Doug Flutie
Dave Keon

Posted by Chris from Whitby on 08/07/07 at 06:26 PM ET

Top five:
    Relocated Talent:
      1.  Ty Cobb
      2.  Gordie Howe
      3.  Barry Sanders
      4.  Joe Louis
      5.  Scotty Bowman

    Native Talent:
      1.  Joe Louis
      2.  Ervin Johnson
      3.  Derek Jeter
      4.  Gerald Ford
      5.  Sugar Ray Robinson

Posted by Mike from Michigan on 08/07/07 at 06:27 PM ET

Grew up in the Twin Cities.  Top 5:

Marian Gaborik
Kent Hrek
Kirby Puckett
Carl Eller
JP Parise

Posted by Tim Farrell from Kansas City on 08/07/07 at 06:29 PM ET

From Edmonton, Albeta:

Wayne Gretzky
Mark Messier
Warren Moon
Grant Fuhr
Bill Ranford

Posted by Justin from Edmonton on 08/07/07 at 06:30 PM ET

L.A.(does not include the city of Anaheim)

5. David Beckham
4. Wayne Gretzky
3. Magic Johnson
2. Shaq O’Neil
1. Kobe Bryant

Posted by Hec from Los Angeles on 08/07/07 at 06:30 PM ET

Garden City, MI, where I was raised: Jason Bacashihua, St. Louis Blues goaltender, Nicole Bobek, Olympic figure skater, um…Justin Ockerman, NCAA basketball player, um…the end.

Detroit, MI, where I was born: In no particular order, Joe Louis, Gordie Howe, Steve Yzerman, Joe Dumars, Al Kaline, and Barry Sanders are all Detroit sports legends (all six of them)...

While Michigan can claim Mike Modano, Brian Rafalski, Lee Norwood, Ken Morrow, Todd Kryger, Brent Johnson, Al Iafrate, Mark and Marty Howe, the entire Miller clan, Brian Rolston, the Hatcher brothers, Adam Hall, Mike Grier, Adam Burt, Jim Cummins, Jimmy Carson, Mike York, Doug Weight, Tim Thomas, Wayne, John Vanbiesbrouck, Jason Bacashihua, Mike York, Dan Bylsma, Mike Knuble, and execs Craig Patrick and Don Waddell as their own, as well as former NHL president John Ziegler and the infamous Bob Goodenow…

I’ve got to give my nods to the best Detroit-born NHL’ers, in my opinion (and there’re more than 5): Adam Burt, Mike Grier, Kevin Hatcher, Mark Howe, Marty Howe, David Legwand, John Vanbiesbrouck, and Doctor Gordie Roberts, who’s spearheading the efforts to raise funds for the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor.

Posted by George Malik from South Lyon, MI on 08/07/07 at 06:37 PM ET

Denver:

1. Elway: no explaination necessary

2. Sakic: “SUPER JOE”

3. Dave Thompson: One of the best NBAer’s of all time

4. Roy: 3 conn smythe trophies, best goalie ever

5. Rod Smith: Face of Broncos after Elway left

Runner up’s:
Peter Forsberg
Larry Walker
Carmelo Anthony
Terrell Davis

Posted by paul from greeley, co on 08/07/07 at 06:38 PM ET

The top 5 players in the Minneapolis / St. Paul area are:

1. Marion Gaborik
2. Niklas Backstrom
3. Brian Rolston
4. Derek Boogaard
5. Mikko Koivu

I am a huge Hockey fan and no other sport comes close to the great sport of Hockey. And since Minnesota is the “State of Hockey,” it is only fitting that all the great athalets are from Minnesota are Hockey players playing for the greatest hockey team in the league, the Minnesota WIld. By the way, we’re going to win the cup this year.

Posted by Luke Affolter from Minneapolis / St. Paul on 08/07/07 at 06:58 PM ET

Top 5 from Portland, OR ...

This being an NBA town, basketball players inevitably take precedence, but I’ll slip in a couple of NHLers. Hossa because he was the best Major Junior player I’ve ever seen, and Gaustad because it’s even harder to make the bigtime growing up in a hockey backwater like Portland.

(1) Bill Walton
(2) Clyde Drexler
(3) Damon Stoudamire
(4) Marian Hossa
(5) Paul Gaustad

Posted by Kirk from Portland, OR on 08/07/07 at 07:34 PM ET

For Philadelphia, I agree with those below.  However, Joe Frazier is missing from the Philly posts and I really think he should be added.

Posted by Matt Hawk from Pennsylvania on 08/07/07 at 07:41 PM ET

1. Edwin C Moses (Track and Field)

2. Roger Clemens (Baseball)

3. Mike Schmidt (Baseball)

4. Jim Paxson/John Paxson (Basketball)

5.  Roosevelt Chapman (NCAA)

Posted by Eric from Dayton Ohio on 08/07/07 at 07:57 PM ET

I think I’ll just go with my five personal favorites.

5.  Bill Laimbeer
4.  Mark Fydrich
3.  Vladimir Konstantinov
2.  Alan Trammell
1.  Erik Hipple

kidding

1.  Steve Yzerman

Posted by IwoCPO from Sunny San Diego, bitches on 08/07/07 at 07:59 PM ET

Dammit. Can’t believe I forgot Gibby.

Replace Laimbeer at 5 with Kirk Gibson.

Posted by IwoCPO from Sunny San Diego, bitches on 08/07/07 at 08:01 PM ET

Bear with me here, not everyone lives in a major city.
Grand Rapids

1) Floyd Mayweather Jr.
2)Stanley Ketchel
3)Terry Barr
4)Mike Knuble
5)Wally Pipp

There’s a bunch more, but we won’t overwhelm our friends from the bigger cities.

Posted by William from Grand Rapids on 08/07/07 at 08:04 PM ET

1) marian hossa
2) ilya kovalchuck
3) algee crumpler
4) evander holyfield
5) hank aaron

Posted by Brian from atlanta on 08/07/07 at 08:31 PM ET

Eddie Shack
Dave Keon
Hank Bauer
Red Kelly
Tim Horton

Posted by tim berent from toronto on 08/07/07 at 08:31 PM ET

Mike Schmidt
Bobby Clarke
Julius Erving
Bernie Parent
Wilbert Montgomery

Congrats to all of those who can count to 5…....

Posted by Tom P from Philly on 08/07/07 at 08:34 PM ET

Can anyone really compete with the Pittsburgh (Western PA) for greats either born or as professionals identified as Pittsburgh icons.
People know by first names only
Mario
Willie
Franco
Roberto
Terry
Everyone w/ exception of Franco played entire career in only one city!
Hopefully Sidney

Posted by dennyfrompitt from McKees Rocks, PA on 08/07/07 at 08:37 PM ET

Buffalo, NY:
1. Ilio DiPaolo
2. Gilbert Perreault
3. Bruce Smith
4. Mike Ramsey
5. Patrick Kane (1st overall pick, not bad for a kid from South Buffalo)

Honorable mention: Scott Norwood, “Baby” Joe Mesi (just kidding).

I need to mention Tim Kennedy, Chris Meuller, and Mike Ratchuk, who are all Buffalo natives and all play hockey at Michigan State and, won the NCAA National Championship this season.

Posted by Tom from Buffalo, NY on 08/07/07 at 08:47 PM ET

Ottawa top 5

1:Heatley

2: Alfe

3: Spezza

4:Neil

5:fisher

mvp: yashin( YEAH RIGHT)

Posted by joe from new york on 08/07/07 at 08:52 PM ET

Trevor Linden
Lui Passaglia
Pavel Bure
Bob Lenarduzzi
Jeff Francis

Posted by darcy from vancouver, BC on 08/07/07 at 09:23 PM ET

Charlotte, NC and the surrounding area….
1. Michael Jordan
2. Richard Petty
3. Dale Earnhardt
4. Dwight Clark (SF 49ers WR who caught Joe Montana’s pass to defeat Dallas…went to my HS btw)
5. MLB pitcher Gaylord Perry

Posted by Mike Dover from Charlotte, NC on 08/07/07 at 09:24 PM ET

Brian leetch, Richter, NICK FOTIU JOE MULLEN MESSIER AND GIACOMIN

Posted by John Murray from New York City on 08/07/07 at 09:28 PM ET

Since Grumpy McNutty listed his five favorites, here are my five favorite Detroit sports figures of all time:

1. Billy Sims
2. Gates Brown (called me a fat *#$%@& as he signed an auto for me years back…won me over for life)
3. Chris Chelios (there has never been a more dedicated hockey player)
4. Vladimir Konstantinov (pure balls)
5. Chet Lemon

Posted by Thomas on 08/07/07 at 09:49 PM ET

1. Bobby Orr
2. Ted Williams
3. Bill Russell
4. Larry Bird
5. Tom Brady

Honorable Mention

Cam Neely
Ray Bourque
Phil Esposito
Bob Cousey
Andre Tippet
Eddie Shore
Milt Schmidt
Roger Clemens
Babe Ruth
Doug Flutie
Carl Yazstremski
Jim Rice
John Hannah
Tiny Thompson

Posted by Dave from Boston on 08/07/07 at 10:19 PM ET

Kamloops BC

6.  Robyn Regehr
5.  Don Hay
4.  Ken Hitchcock
3.  Scott Niedermayer
2.  Jarome Iginla
1.  Mark Recchi

Posted by Kim from Kamloops on 08/07/07 at 10:44 PM ET

I’m referring to Buffalo, NY on this one.

5.  Matt Barnaby
4.  Andrew Peters
3.  Chris Drury
2.  Jay Mckee
1.  Rob Ray

Posted by sam rotella from from buffalo, currently in vegas on 08/07/07 at 11:37 PM ET

Well I am from Livermore and the only play I can say is considered a “top athlete” is Randy Johnson, considering he went to the highschool i currently go to, and you can see his picture.

1. Randy Johnson

Posted by Alex Petersen from Livermore, CA on 08/07/07 at 11:41 PM ET

1. Gordie Drillon (last Leaf to win Art Ross 1938)
2. Martin St. Louis (Saint John Flames)
3. Don Sweeney (St. Stephen, NB)
4. J.S. Giguere (Saint John Flames)
5. Matt Stairs (from Stanley, NB)

Honourable Mention:
Grant Fuhr - played 3 games with Saint John Flames

Posted by Randy from Saint John, NB on 08/08/07 at 01:15 AM ET

I proudly represent these names from Helsinki Finland:

Teemu “the Finnish Flash” Selanne

Jari “The Finnish Great” Kurri

Esa “Tiki Talk” Tikkanen

Ville “Hattrick against Sweden in the Hockey WC finals 95 (Our only Golden medal)”  Peltonen

Kim “The Red Devil” Raikkonen (Formula 1)

Posted by Erno "PEPE" Launis from Helsinki on 08/08/07 at 01:38 AM ET

Flyers Francis correcting
#5 Matti Hagman (not Pentti)

Whas this all about our hometown heroes or….?

Posted by Erno "PEPE" Launis from Helsinki on 08/08/07 at 01:50 AM ET

here are my 5 favorites vrom Bratislava, SVK

1. Peter Stastny
2.Vladimir Dzurilla
3.Jan Starsi
4.Jozef Golonka
5.Zdeno Ciger

Posted by rianor from Bratislava on 08/08/07 at 04:27 AM ET

definitely we need a list specifically for Maple Ridge….

home of the really gutsy champs

1. cam neely
2. greg moore
3. larry walker

who needs a top 5 when when your top 3 looks like this…

Posted by jordan engelmyer from fredericton, nb on 08/08/07 at 04:34 AM ET

1. Daniel Alfredsson (Hockey)
2. Ingemar “Ingo” Johansson (Boxing)
3. Torbjorn Nilsson (Soccer)
4. Chistian Ohlsson (triple jump)
5. Magnus Wislander (Handball)

Greetings from Sweden !

Posted by Markus from Gothenburg, Sweden on 08/08/07 at 05:05 AM ET

Non- Hockey
Hank Arron
Tom Glavin
John Smoltz
Dominique Wilkens
Greg Maddux

Hockey
Bernie “Boom-Boom” Geoffrion (Atlanta Flames)
Dan Bouchard
Dan Heatley
Ilya Kovalchuk
Scott Mellanby

Posted by Craig Lowe from Alanta on 08/08/07 at 05:13 AM ET

for me the 5 have to be

1 = “Sir” Mike Blaisdel (Remeber him Red Wings and Leafs fans?)

2 = “The Messiah” KEN PRIESTLY (remember him Pens fans?)

3 = Tony Hand (only british trained hockey player to be asked to the show)

4 = Ron Shudra (any NHL fans remember him?)

5 = Prince Nazem Hammed

strange how 4 of them are hockey players lol

Posted by Warren Hewett from Sheffield, UK (home of the Sheffield Steelers) on 08/08/07 at 06:52 AM ET

The only big name sports athlete that is “associated” with my hometown would be…

Lance Parrish

That’s only because he is managing the Great Lakes Loons.

Party on…

Posted by cementslinger from Midland MI on 08/08/07 at 07:26 AM ET

Although I live in DC now, since it’s been listed, I’ll do it for back in Knoxville, TN

Peyton Manning (NFL)
Reggie White (NFL)
Pat Summit (Basketball)
Todd Helton (MLB)
Chamique Holdsclaw (Basketball)

and tough he’s not an athlete, you have to give it up to Johnny Knoxville

Posted by Shawn W from Washington DC via Knoxville TN on 08/08/07 at 07:36 AM ET

1. Steve Yzerman
2. Chris Pronger
3. Bob Gainey
4. Steve Larmer
5. Larry Murphy

Honorable Mention: Wayne Gretzky (Played one game for the Peterborough Petes)

Posted by Lamont from Peterborough, Ontario on 08/08/07 at 07:51 AM ET

Greetings from Europe!
Here is my group of giants:
- Emil ZATOPEK (40´s - 60´s; LONG-TRACK RUN; multiple olympic medalist and world record holder; had won 5000m, 10000m and Marathon runs, all in one single Olympiad)
- Vera CASLAVSKA (60´s - 70´s; GYMNASTICS; posesses one of the most impressive (female) olympic medal collection ever)
- Martina NAVRATILOVA (70´s - last year; TENNIS; the most successfull, durable and versatile female player of all times)
- Pavel NEDVED (current guy; SOCCER; probably the best player in czech history; for Northern Americans: “Messier” in soccer boots)
- Roman SEBRLE (current guy; DECATHLON; multiple medalist through the last decade; the first and only decathlon racer in the history to break the 9000 point level=current world record holder=the most versatile athlete in the world)

Hockey top 5 - shame on Prague, Jagr is Kladno native (about 10 miles from Prague)
- David VYBORNY, f (Columbus)
- Petr NEDVED, f (Vancouver, NYR, Edmonton, Pittsburgh, St.Louis, Philadelphia, Phoenix)
- Petr BRIZA, g (80´s, 90´s; retired last year)
- Jiri HOLECEK, g (70´s, 80´s)
- Jiri HRDINA, f (80´s, 90´s; Cup with Calgary, 1989)

Posted by WK from Prague, Czech republic on 08/08/07 at 07:51 AM ET

Sorry, Hrdina has one more ring from Pittsburg (91)

Posted by WK from Prague from Czech republic (btw-1918-1992 we had been togrhter on 08/08/07 at 08:10 AM ET

1- Peter Stastny
2- Guy Lafleur (remparts)
3-Jean Béliveau (As)
4-Gaétan Boucher
5-Marc Tardif

Honorable Mention: Michel Goulet, J-C Tremblay, Joe Sakic, Mats Sundin, Dale Hunter…

From Québec

Posted by E. Griffin from Québec on 08/08/07 at 08:45 AM ET

Past Philly:
1. Bob Clarke
2. Mike Schmidt
3. Dr. J
4. Brenie Parent
5. Ron Jaworski

Current Philly
1. Mcnabb
2. Dawkins
3. Gagne
4. Westbrook
5. Any Phillies player (Utley, Howard, Rowand, Hamels)

Posted by Brian from South Jersey on 08/08/07 at 08:47 AM ET

1. Gil Perreault
2. Thurman Thomas
3. Pat Lafontaine
4. Jim Kelly
5. Rene Robert
6. Rick Martin

Posted by chuck from buffalo on 08/08/07 at 08:52 AM ET

Like it or not you can’t talk about Atlanta athletes without mentioning Michael Vick.

Michael Vick
Hank Aaron
Chipper Jones
Dominique Wilkins
John Smoltz

Evander Holyfield, Bobby Jones, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux, Herschel Walker and half a dozen other atheltes are probably more closely associated with the city than any Thrashers if you’re doing a random poll on the streets of Atlanta.

Posted by Logan from Atlanta on 08/08/07 at 09:08 AM ET

Pittsburgh:

Mario Lemieux
Sidney Crosby
Joe Montana
Dan Marino
Roberto Clemente

Posted by Stephen from Pittsburgh on 08/08/07 at 09:10 AM ET

in all fairness one can only clain those who 1)actually grew up in the area or 2) have made it claer that they have made it their permanent new home. Ranked in order of universal name recognition:
1)Christie Yamaguchi/Hedican (olympic figure skater)
2)Bill Cowher (frmr NCSU LB and Steelers head coach, current resident)
3)Ron Francis (NHL hall of famer, current resident)
4)Catfish Hunter (MLB hall of fame pitcher, grew up just east of town)
5)Rod Brind’Amour (current captain of Carolina Hurricanes)
Hon. mention to frmr NFL players Kevin Donnelley (OG, Panthers) and Donald Evans (steelers, DE) just because I played HS ball with them.

Posted by Eric from Raleigh, NC on 08/08/07 at 09:18 AM ET

Hey Kukla,

Here is my Top 5 list from “the Burgh”.

1.  Mario Lemieux
2.  Sydney Crosby
3.  Roberto Clemente
4.  Terry Bradshaw
5.  Jaromir Jagr

Posted by Dave from Pittsburgh on 08/08/07 at 10:06 AM ET

From my hometown Mexico City:

Giovanni Dos Santos (Barcelona FC)
Victor Estrada (Tae Kwan Do)
Iridia Salazar (Tae Kwan Do)
Julio César Chávez (Boxing)
Lorena Ochoa (Golf)

Posted by Carlos from Mexico City on 08/08/07 at 10:08 AM ET

im from thunder bay.
top 5 athletes from thunder bay

5. trevor letowski
4 marc staal
3 alex delvecchio(from fort william in thunder bay)
2 jordan staal
1 eric staal

Posted by tyson rybak from Thunder bay Ont. Canada on 08/08/07 at 10:13 AM ET

I’m from Medicine Hat, Alberta originally and here are my top 5 from there (and generally they’re people who played there):

1) Kelly Hrudey
2) Lanny McDonald
3) Trevor Linden
4) Dan Federkeil
5) Rob Niedermayer/Jay Boumeester/Joffrey Lupul/Rob DiMaio/Bryan McCabe

Posted by Tavin from Calgary, Alberta on 08/08/07 at 10:25 AM ET

I have to chime in, like William said a few posts back:

“Bear with me here, not everyone lives in a major city.”

Sacramento:
5) Chris Webber
4) Ron Artest
3) Peja Stojakovic
2) Vlade Divac
1) Mike Bibby. 

Man, I wish we had a hockey team.

For extra laughs, my hometown…Bakersfield, CA
5) Rick Mears/Casey Mears
4) Frank Gifford
3) Kevin Harvick
2) David Carr
1) Joey Porter.

So…those of you from NY, Boston, Philly…be glad you have too many athletes to choose from.

Posted by zero242 from Sacramento, CA on 08/08/07 at 10:36 AM ET

Gordie Howe - Detroit Red Wings

Mike Babcock -  Detroit Red Wings

Catriona Lemay Doan -  Ice Skating

Stu Hart - Professional Wrestling

Brian Skrudland - 2 Stanley Cups

Saskatoon’s best, or at least 5 of them.

Posted by PuckHound61 from Speckville USA on 08/08/07 at 10:49 AM ET

I love the lists Paul! I can’t believe Nick Fotiu made someone’s list!! Too funny!!

Posted by Gregsky on 08/08/07 at 11:09 AM ET

Top Five to Play in/from Detroit:

1.  Ty Cobb/Tigers:  Baseball HOF received 222 of 226 votes.  Lifetime .367, led the A.L. in batting 12 times.

2.  Joe Louis:  “The Brown Bomber”  Record 69-3, 55 by KO.  Voted the #1 puncher of all time by Ring magazine.

3.  Gordie Howe:  Mr. Hockey.  HHOF (1972)  Among the top five in scoring for 20 STRAIGHT seasons.

4.  Stevie Y:  HHOF Induction Imminent 2008/2009.  6th all-time leading scorer in NHL history.  Pearson, Selke, Conn Smythe Winner, 3 time Stanley Cup winner, Olympic Gold and Bronze medalist. 

5.  Al Kaline:  1980 Baseball Hall of Fame.  Over 3000 hits, 399 home runs, career .297.  10 Gold gloves, 15 time all star.

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 08/08/07 at 01:11 PM ET

Buffalo, NY:

1.  Jim Kelly
2.  OJ Simpson
3.  Gil Perrault
4.  Thurman Thomas
5.  Pat Lafontaine

Hon. Mention: Bruce Smith, Jack Kemp, Dominik Hasek, Bob Lanier, Tim Horton.

Posted by Andrew from Boston on 08/08/07 at 02:00 PM ET

Arthur Ashe and Justin Verlander are the only two I can think of off the top of my head, unless you count the NASCAR drivers.  Which I don’t.

Posted by Duncan from Richmond, Virginia on 08/08/07 at 11:38 PM ET

Julius Irving…Mike Schmidt….Bobby Clarke…...Ryan Howard….Smokin’ Joe Frazier….....

Posted by DEuce from Philadelphia,Pa on 08/09/07 at 02:50 PM ET

1. Messier
2. Richter
3. Leetch
4. Graves
5. Lundqvist

Posted by RANGERS from LI, NY on 08/13/07 at 11:28 AM ET

Top 5 To Play In Melfort, Saskatchewan, Canada For The Melfort Mustangs :

1 Willie Mitchell (Vancouver Canucks)
2 Ruslan Fedotenko (New York Islanders)
3 Parris Duffus (Pheonix Coyotes)
4 Michael Larocque (Chicago Black Hawks)
5 Scott Fankhouser (Atlanta Thrashers)

.. not bad for a Jr. hockey team in a town of 5000 people.

Posted by Mustang Fan from melfort, saskatchewan on 08/13/07 at 01:21 PM ET

Sudbury born athletes

Art Ross
Al Arbour
Mike Foligno
George Armstrong
Toe Blake
Randy Carlyle
Alex Baumann
Ron Duguay
Andrew Brunette
Dave Taylor

Posted by Rick Potvin from Sudbury on 08/14/07 at 01:28 PM ET

My Favorites Top 4 from Anaheim, California

1. Teemu Selanne, Anaheim Ducks
2. Samuel Pahlsson, Anaheim Ducks
3. Chone Figgins, LA Angels of Anaheim
4. Tim Salmon, LA Angels of Anaheim

Posted by Deanna from Anaheim on 08/14/07 at 02:06 PM ET

Calgary: Jarome Inglina, Doug Flutie, Bret Hitman Hart, Al MacInnis, Theo Fleury
Honorable Mention: Dion Phaneuf, Mikka Kiprusoff, Mike Vernon. Joe Niewendyk

Edmonton: Wayne Gretzky, Paul Coffey, Mark Messier, Jari Kurri, Warren Moon
Honorable Mention: Chris Benoit, Grant Fuhr, Glenn Anderson, Doug Weight

Posted by Jason from Edmonton on 08/14/07 at 04:44 PM ET

Pittsburgh

——————

Mario Lemieux

Jaromir Jagr

Sidney Crosby

Jerome Bettis

Dan Marino

Posted by Sid from Plainsboro, NJ on 08/14/07 at 07:29 PM ET

1)Wayne Gretzky
2)Marcus Allen
3)Kirk Gibson
4)Marcel Dionne
5)Kareem Abdul Jabbar

With Honarable Mention going to Luc Robitaille, Magic Johnson,Jim Plunkett,Shaq,Kobe,Rogie Vachon,Charlie Simmer and Dave Taylor

Posted by Darryl Bernard from Los Angeles,CA on 08/14/07 at 10:15 PM ET

well coming from texas, we don’t exactly produce a plethora of hockey talent, but hopefully that’ll change in the future.  here’s my top 5 from Lubbock, TX, although we’re better known for musicians and coaches (can you say Bob Knight?).

1. Zach Thomas
2. Wes Welker
3. Bam Morris
4. Sheryl Swoopes
5. Montae Reagor

Posted by Randy Moore from Lubbock, TX on 08/15/07 at 09:36 AM ET

Farely small British Columbia Town of about 80,000. Top 5 from Kamloops:

1. Jarome Iginla
2. Scott Niedermayer
3. Mark Recchi
4. Darryl Sydor
5. Dylan Armstrong (Pan am gold-Shot Put-Future Olympian)

Honourable Mention - Darcy Tucker, Eric Brewer, Randy Rota, Doug Lidster, Doug Bodger, Brad Lukowich.

Posted by Kurt Deneault from Kamloops BC on 08/15/07 at 11:05 AM ET

Colorado:
Joe Sakic
Paul Stastny
Patrick Roy
Peter Forsberg
Wojtek Wolski

Posted by Mark from Denver on 08/23/07 at 02:21 AM ET

Top 5 from trencin
Marian Hossa
Marian Gaborik
Zdeno Chara
Pavol Demitra
Marcel Hossa

Posted by Alex from Trencin Slovakia on 08/23/07 at 05:11 AM ET

Top 5 from Helsinki , Finland

#1 Matti Hagman (legendary captain of Helsinki IFK. Played for Boston Bruins NHL, Quebec Nordiques WHA, Edmonton Oilers NHL while in North America)
#2 Teemu Selänne (altough he’s from Espoo, played most of his fin career in Helsinki Jokerit)
#3 Jari Kurri (simply awesome and opened lots of doors to NHL for finnish hockey players also played for the Jokerit before going to NHL)
#4 Esa Tikkanen (best of the pest)
#5 Tuomo Ruutu (played for Hifk before went to Jokerit for a shortwhile before drafted by Chicago Blackhawks, without injurys he had earlier , he would be on different level (maybe next season will change that all) dude is simply awesome , no one wont forget that goal in world cup final against canada.

Posted by BlueDuck from Helsinki , Finland on 08/25/07 at 09:37 AM ET

Denver:

1. Sakic
2. Elway
3. Roy
4. Forsberg
5. Terrell Davis

Posted by Mike from Denver, Colorado on 08/28/07 at 12:45 PM ET

In Montreal:

1- Maurice Richard
2- Guy Lafleur
3- Jacques Plante
4- Jean Beliveau
5- Doug Harvey

Posted by William from Montreal on 08/28/07 at 12:54 PM ET

Pittsburgh:

1. Mario Lemieux
2. Roberto Clemente
3. Jack Lambert
4. Billy Conn
5. Bruno Sammartino
6th man - Jerome Bettis

Posted by Charbel H. from Pittsburgh on 08/28/07 at 01:23 PM ET

From the burgh theres almost too many.

1. Roberto
2. Mario
3. The Bus
4. The Steel Curtain (you can’t single anyone out in my opinion)
5. Terry Bradshaw
6. Franco Harris
7. Sid (in the future he will be higher up)
8. ...

okay so mabye there are too many. i could go on and on.

Posted by Ian from Pittsburgh on 08/28/07 at 04:28 PM ET

From Miami, FLA:

1. Dan Marino
2. Dwyane Wade
3. Miguel Cabrera
4. John Vanbiesbrouck
5. Jason Taylor

Posted by Howie from Miami on 08/28/07 at 04:37 PM ET

1. Scott Gomez
2. Scott Gomez
3. Scott Gomez
4. Scott Gomez
5. Scott Gomez
6. (Tie) Matt Carle, Trajan Langdon, Mark Schlereth, Tommy Moe

Posted by Bill from Anchorage on 08/28/07 at 05:07 PM ET

Top 3 from Anchorage:

1. Scott Gomez
2. Trajon Langdon
3. Matt Carle

Anchorage is a tough city. So I just made a top 3.
GO ACES!!!

Posted by Yuri from Anchorage on 08/28/07 at 07:11 PM ET

Red Deer AB:
1. Dion Phaneuf (NHL)
2. Sean Burke (NHL)
3. Jamie Sale (Figure Skating)
4. Mark Tinordi (NHL)
5. Jeremy Wotherspoon (Speed Skating)
6. Glen Wesley (NHL)
And a whole gaggle of Sutters…a couple of generations of ‘em.

Rossland BC:
1. Nancy Greene (Skiing)
2. Karen Lee Gartner (Skiing)
3. Dallas Drake (NHL)
4. Derek Mayer (NHL)

Posted by Steve from Roanoke, Virginia on 08/28/07 at 11:13 PM ET

1.Sergei Zholtok
2.Arturs Irbe
3.Karlis Skrastinsh
4.Sandis Ozolinsh
5.Raitis Ivanans

Posted by Skiminoks from Latvia on 08/29/07 at 05:30 AM ET

Gotta just go with my Sharks!! 

1. Patrick Marleau

2. Joe Thornton

3.  Jonanthan Cheecho

4.  Nabby (goalie)

5.  Joe Pavelski

Posted by margie from sacramento, california on 08/29/07 at 08:25 PM ET

I am originally from Chicago

Top (5) athletes

Walter Payton
Michael Jordan
Stan Makita
Bobby Hull
Ernie Banks

Posted by Chris from Hartland Michigan on 08/30/07 at 08:57 AM ET

Alright. I’m from Lexington, Ky. Not exactly hockey hotbed of the universe. But, hidden away in amidst the horse-racing and obsession with collegiate sports there is a small hockey history. During the mid-90s this town was blessed with the Kentucky Thoroughblades, an AHL squad that during its tenure featured some of the greatest goalies, and the occasional player, stunning the league today. I watched many of them play their first games on non-European ice, watched them adapt to the North American game and blossom into superstars in the NHL.

The most famous:
1. Evgeni Nabokov
2. Miikka Kiprusoff
(They even played at the same time for the team, a fact that was never acknowledged during the CGY/SJ conference finals in ‘04)
3. Zdeno Chara (who started his career as an enforcer, until people realized he could kill them and stopped trying)
4. Jonathan Cheechoo
5. Johann Hedberg (remember Moose? He was a thoroughbred first)
And, in honorable mention:
6. Garrett Burnett, who as to date known is still in coma after being attacked at a bar in Anaheim. Played a few NHL games for Anaheim and Dallas, but had more heart than talent.

Posted by M. Bitzer from Lexington, Ky on 09/02/07 at 08:36 PM ET

Detroit, MI

1. Chris Chellios
2. Chauncy Billups
3. Justin Verlander
4. Gary Sheffield
5. Lidstrom, Nicklas

Posted by Erik Chase from Detroit, MI on 10/15/08 at 12:34 PM ET